Blog
Back on 8th August 2024, we explained how childcare funding was expected to expand — including the move to offer 30 hours of free childcare for eligible 2-year-olds and beyond. Today, those reforms are becoming concrete. The final phase kicks in from September 2025, dramatically extending support for working families. What’s New Since Our Last…
If you’re searching for an alternative SJP adviser or financial adviser in Cirencester, now is the perfect time for a review. Especially given recent scrutiny of Stn James’s Place and growing consumer concern over fees, fund performance, and transparency. St. James’s Place (SJP), one of the UK’s largest wealth management firms, has been in the headlines…
By Samuel Mather-Holgate Today, the Bank of England lowered the base rate from 4.25% to 4.0% in a narrow 5–4 vote — its fifth cut since August 2024. The decision was described by Governor Bailey as “finely balanced” Let’s break down the context, implications, and what this means for people in Swindon. Why Did the…
By Samuel Mather-Holgate Tomorrow is Bank Rate day, and the Bank of England faces a crucial decision on whether to cut interest rates again. With inflation still running above target and political and economic uncertainty elsewhere, the stakes are high — and the outcome could directly affect mortgages, savings, and cost-of-living for your clients in…
By Samuel Mather-Holgate The UK mortgage market has entered a new phase — and if you’re a homebuyer in Swindon, you may now be able to borrow more than you thought. Since Rachel Reeves’ Mansion House speech, many lenders have begun relaxing their lending criteria, especially for first-time buyers. At the same time, major rate…
By Samuel Mather-Holgate Swindon’s property market is making headlines: average prices now sit at £259,000 — up 3.6% year-on-year — while first-time buyers are paying around £222,000, a 3.8% increase. Rents have surged too, averaging £1,053 a month — a nearly 10% hike, say ONS. But why are prices rising in Swindon more sharply than…
Local financial advice firm backs community-led regeneration project Mather & Murray Financial, a well-established financial planning firm originally founded in Swindon, is proud to announce its move to a new office in the heart of Cricklade – a town close to our hearts. Cricklade isn’t just our new business address – it’s where our story…
By Samuel Mather-Holgate As rumours swirl about the UK Government potentially cutting the annual Cash ISA allowance from £20,000 to just £10,000, savers across the country are rightly concerned. With interest rates still elevated and the cost of living squeezing household budgets, tax-free savings remain a vital tool — not just for investors, but for…
By Samuel Mather-Holgate In a year of economic uncertainty, many homeowners and buyers are asking the same question: should I fix my mortgage rate now, or wait? With interest rates held at 4.25% and speculation swirling about when they’ll fall again, it’s not an easy decision. Add in global tensions, rising oil prices, and inflationary…
By Samuel Mather-Holgate On Thursday 19 June, the Bank of England (BoE) will make one of its most closely watched decisions of the year — whether to change interest rates or hold steady at 4.25%. And while the headline decision is likely to be “no change”, that doesn’t mean this moment lacks importance. In fact,…
